Geek Stuff: Create a frame wih GIMP

I know you can use Script-Fu to create a frame around an image, but it's also good to know a manual method to achieve this.

Create a new transparent layer over the top of the layer you want to frame. On the newest transparent layer create the frame for your new photo. This frame is the equivalent of the white border around a printed photograph. In the GIMP:

• Select a portion of the main subject of your photo and as much background as you wish to include.
• Fill the selection with white.
• Reduce the selection (Select > Shrink) by 20-50 pixels. Experiment to get a frame width you like.
• Cut out the center of the frame (Ctrl-X in Linux or Windows).

More information can be found here on how to create a 3D photo effect with GIMP.

Geek Stuff: GIMP making objects coloured with background black and white

If you would like to make a black-and-white picture with an object colored then here is how this can be achieved via GIMP. Here is an example of what will be achieved.

Select the object you are separating from the background using a selection tool (the “Intelligent Scissors Select Tool” lets you select a freehand border and uses edge-recognition algorithms to better fit the border around the object. Use this when the subject is complex but distinct enough against its current background). Once you have selected your subject successfully, use Select → Invert. Now, instead of the subject, the background is selected.

To make a black-and-white background while keeping the subject in color:

From the main menu select Colors → Desaturate. In the dialog that opens, cycle between the modes and select the best-looking one, then click OK.